Happy Autumn: Comfort Food Like This

Autumn arrives this week, and with it, so does the switch to a more sweater-weather style of cuisine.

Chilly fruit salads are out; pots of chili are in.

Even sushi seems a little too cold, while crock pot suddenly feels just right.

It's time to switch up the menu. Eating for your constitution changes with the seasons. You might be craving pastas and warm foods, comfort foods, or one of Oprah's favorite foods: potatoes.

There's a reason that as the days get shorter that we go toward these (healthy) carbs -- they produce serotonin which destress and boost our moods.

Spanish Style Home Fries are just the ticket. Boiled a bit, then pan roasted for crispy edges. A dash of spice and va va voom!

Spanish Style Home Fries

8 medium red potatoes, quartered
1 tsp. turmeric
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. cayenne
1/2 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 Tbsp. parsley, chopped

• In a large pot, bring water to a rapid boil, add the potatoes, and boil for 10 to 15 minutes, or until just tender. Drain and place in a large mixing bowl.
• In a small bowl, combine the turmeric, paprika, cayenne, and salt. Set aside.
• Pour the olive oil over the potatoes, then the spices, and toss to coat.
• Pour the entire mixture into a pan heated to medium-high heat and pan-fry for 10 minutes, or until the skin is crisp.

Makes 4 side servings

[Recipe and photo courtesy VegCookingBlog.com]